Examine possibility of declaring Dal lake as eco-sensitive zone: HC to government

D A Rashid

Srinagar, April 13, 2019, 3:10 AMApril 13, 2019, 3:10 AM

UPDATED: April 13, 2019, 3:10 AM

Representational Pic

The High Court has directed the government to examine the possibility of declaring Dal lake area formally as eco sensitive zone’ under the Environment Protection Act.

A division bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice
Tashi Rabstan asked the Secretary Forest and Environment department to place a
report in this regard before the court appointed Committee of Experts (COE)
within four weeks.

The direction came
following the suggestions by the members of COE – Elattuvalapil Sreedharan, Dr
Nivedita P Haran, Dr Mangu Singh and Mr
M C Mehta- who were present in the court.

“We have had also the
benefit of a detailed power point presentation by the experts,” the bench said.
On consideration of the submissions made by the COE, the court issued several
directions.

The court directed the Secretary Department of Tourism to
examine the suggestions of COE for developing the Dole Demb as a Tourist
Centre, saying the measures suggested by the expert panel in this regard shall
be seriously examined and report submitted to It (COE).

Over the frequent changes
in the appointment of Vice Chairman LAWDA within last six months as
pointed out by COE, the court observed that the work being undertaken by LAWDA
is of extremely serious nature. “We request the Chief Secretary to look into
the matter of appointment of Vice Chairman, LAWDA, who would be an officer of
sufficient seniority and experience on a continuous tenure”.

The court also directed the Surveyor General of India,
Survey Office Dehradun, to undertake a survey of the Dal Lake, examine all
available maps and draw linkage to existing revenue maps and place a report
regarding the demarcation of the boundary of the lake.

“Such exercise be completed within four weeks from the date
of receipt of copy of this order”.

Moreover the court directed the State Government to
formulate a proper policy for rehabilitation of the Dal Dewllers. “This matter
be examined by the Chief Secretary of the State and a report in this regard be
also placed before the Committee of Experts at the earliest”.

The court also sought
a report from Department of Tourism of the State as well as LAWDA regarding the
unregistered house boats in the Dal Lake and the manner in which they would be
removed.

Meanwhile the court
accepted the recommendations made by the Committee in its 5th Report and
directed all the authorities to take prompt and expeditious steps to implement
the same.

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